Our fleece

As a follow up to yesterday’s question, I’ve been trying to think of any Biblical examples of people trying to figure out what to do.

The only example I can think is Gideon. God told Gideon that he was going to lead an army. Gideon wasn’t so sure, so he laid out a fleece. Twice, God honored Gideon’s prayers and gave him signs that Gideon was to lead.

Jeff and I have laid out figurative fleeces before. We have been directed by God to take certain jobs and we were sure that we were following God’s command because He answered our prayer for a fleece. In our current job situation, we’re not sure if God is going to give us a fleece. But I know of no other way to determine God’s will.

We have faith that God will take care of us, that Jeff will find a job. However, we’re not sure where that job will be or when it will happen.

God’s Will

Ok… so hubby and I are trying to figure something out.

Is it better to:

a. Wait until God’s leading is perfectly clear by Him giving a sign and THEN we move forward?

or

b. Move forward while praying that God will shut doors if we aren’t supposed to choose a certain path and then we try a different path?

I’m not sure if we should be waiting until we KNOW what God wants us to do or step out in faith that He will close doors and open others as needed.

Updates

Jeff and I met with some friends of ours from church, an older couple who could pray with us and offer some advice. After several hours of conversation and much prayer, we decided to stay in Phoenix until the end of next week.

Hubby has several applications out for local jobs and the church might have a position opening up on Monday. We promised to stay for another week to see if the church position would come through and also to apply for a few more local jobs. If we recieve a job offer by next Friday, we’ll stay in Phoenix. If not, we’re packing up and heading to Portland.

In the meantime, I had a training call for my contract job last night and an assignment this morning. The assignment is now complete and I’m waiting for my next one. I’m also trying to sell some more stuff around the apartment that we don’t need, to bring in money to pay bills and/or move. We sold the Wii this morning. A 9 year old is going to be very happy on his birthday!

What to do?

We’re still trying to figure out what we’re doing, if we’re going to stay in Phoenix and try to find a job or move elsewhere. We have a couple leads, but we’re waiting for the final go ahead from God.

In the mean time, I’m trying to sell a bunch of stuff to bring in some money to pay bills. We have someone coming tomorrow to buy our TV and someone coming later tonight or tomorrow morning to buy the Wii. Tomorrow, I need to list the rest of our movies, some clothes, and some furniture on Craigslist.

Life isn’t easy, but someday we’re going to look back and tell our children how God led us through the tough times.

Laundry mountain no more!

I’m so relieved. I finally caught up on all the laundry. This is the first time in several weeks ALL the laundry has been washed, ironed or folded, and put away. I also vacuumed the bedroom, hallway, and living room. All the dishes are washed, dried, and put away. The bed is made. The living room is picked up and I emptied the kitty boxes.

I clean when I’m stressed.

Diet Update

I’m having motivation issues with my dieting and exercise. My challenges are in different areas than normal, though. In the past, I would get derailed by not exercising, by eating a bunch of dessert, or not reducing portions.

This time around, I’m still watching my portions. I still measure most of my food and estimate portions on the rest of it. I’m still logging my food into Nutridiary and eating less calories than I burn every day. However, I’m not doing well at eating a vegan diet (mac&cheese – yum!). I’m allowing myself fattier meals, but the portions are much smaller than they used to be. I’ve learned what a serving size is! One serving is a lot smaller than I thought. 🙂 And I’m only eating one non-optimal meal a day or every other day, instead of all the time.

I’ve only had three days this year where I’ve allowed myself dessert! Once, it was a cupcake made like pineapple upside-down cake. The other two days, I finished a couple slices of vegan chocolate cake. That’s it! I’m avoiding all the dessert I used to eat – ice cream, candy bars, and especially ColdStone. I’m staying away from that place.

It’s my exercise that’s slipping. I was motivated to work out daily to the Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred DVD. I worked out for 7 sessions and then quit. I’m still exercising, but it’s no where near as intensive as the DVD. Most days, I’m walking. Hubby and I are walking to all of our errands instead of driving. I’m averaging 2 miles a day.

Is that enough? Can I still lose weight by moderating my portions, even though I’m not eating optimally? Can I still lose weight by walking instead of doing a higher cardio exercise? I guess I’ll find out when I step on the scale this Sunday.

Found!

I’m so glad we don’t have cable television or watch any of the major networks. It has saved us from having to spend money on the converter!

There’s an odd contradiction in our house. I am fantastic with finances. I love putting together budgets, I shop grocery sales, I file our taxes early, and I learned all about Dave Ramsey so that we could start getting out of debt. However, I am terrible with cash. I’m not talking about spending money and not knowing where it went. I’m talking about physically misplacing money. Today I found an envelope with $120 in it. I know what it’s for. $60 of it is ours and $60 goes to my brother. I put it “someplace safe” and found it four months later. Smart.

Praise His name!


I love this text:

“For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name” (Hebrews 13:14-15, NLT).

Praise the Lord that this world is not our permanent home! There is too much heartache in this world to want to call it home. Every day, people are getting sick, losing jobs, or facing heartache. Praise God that heaven will not be the same! No tears, no heartache, no sickness, no death. We will ever be in the presence of God.

My praises

  • Hubby has applied for 130+ jobs. Surely we will hear something soon.
  • I received two checks from my contract job! I don’t make much money, but it’s enough to pay the internet bill.
  • My mom has lost 30 pounds so far.
  • I’ve been vegan for 16 days now!
  • Hubby and I are both healthy.
  • We have Bible study tonight.

May I ever praise God’s name and uphold my allegiance to Him!

Still applying

Hubby and I applied for quite a few jobs today. We found listings for jobs online and he still has a stack to work through. I hope one of the jobs comes through. Hubby has two interviews tomorrow, so we’ll see what happens.

I also found a job I want to apply for, which would require a commitment of 20 hours per week. I’m out of time today, as we leave for Bible study in 45 minutes. Tomorrow I’ll be working on my cover letter and resume so that I can apply for the job.

On a completely unrelated note, several people around the web have posted links to get a free bottle of Suave. The offer is only good today, so if you’re interested, make sure you sign up for the coupon soon!

Timely Encouragement

I’ve been struggling to remain positive this week. I know that God provides and that I shouldn’t worry. The Bible says that I am not to worry about tomorrow. But I still worry that my hubby won’t be able to find a job in time for next month’s bill payments. We’re going to wipe out our checking and savings in about five weeks.

I’m trying to find work as well. My contract job promises work but they are slow to assign. I’m trying to find something to fill in the gaps in work.

Today we received good news, evidence that God does provide and that things will work out. My husband’s request for student loan payment deferment was approved until July. That provides a bit more breathing room ($150/month).

I have to remind myself of this verse:

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).